Neuropathic pain

Question 1

What is neuropathic pain?

Answer 1

damage to neural tissues

Question 2

How would a patient usually describe neuropathic pain?

Answer 2

shooting, scalding, burning sensation

Question 3

What is neuropathic pain mostly due to?

Answer 3

HIV
chemo
excessive alcohol intake
shingles

Question 4

What drugs can be used for neuropathic pain?

Answer 4

Amitriptylline
Pregabalin
can be used together if patient has had inadequate response to using one of the medications at its maximum dose

Question 5

What else can pts use for neuropathic pain?

Answer 5

Nortriptylline
Lidocaine medicated plasters
Capsaicin - either cream or patch

Question 6

What can capsaicin cream and patch be used for? and strength does it come in?

Answer 6

CREAM: 0.05% cream - provides symptomatic release in post hepatic neuralgia

PATCH: 8% patch can be used peripheral neuropathic pain in non-diabetic patients

Question 7

What’s the problem with capsaicin?

Answer 7

intense burning sensation when you initially put it on so it does limit its used.

Question 8

What is trigeminal neuralgia? What treatment choice can be given for this?

Answer 8

pt experiences sudden severe pain in the face.

Carbamazepine - reduces frequency of attacks

Question 9

What types of chronic facial pains can a pt experience?

What treatment is used for this?

Answer 9

idiopathic facial pain or atypical facial pains.

tx: TCA used